Background

Science is an important tool for addressing complex social and environmental challenges of our time and shaping a sustainable future and fosters innovation. Enabling societal actors and policy makers to act upon scientific insights requires a foundation based on public understanding and trust in science.

Research reveals a nuanced landscape of trust in science globally. Whereas some research reveals the damaging effects of the proliferation of disinformation and misinformation[1], exacerbated by social media and artificial intelligence, others contrastingly indicate high or increasing levels of trust in science internationally[2]^,[3]. The situation also varies across countries[4], disciplines and topics. As we face global transformations and challenges, trust in science does appear to influence the uptake of science[5]^,[6] but is just one of multiple such factors. This is supported by the findings of the International Science Council's recent report, "The Contextualization Deficit: Reframing Trust in Science for Multilateral Policy,"[7] which, in addition to recognizing the need to promote trust in science, emphasizes the need to understand the contextual intricacies shaping the adoption and acceptance of science by societal and policy actors.

An important aspect of this contextualization exercise is the issue of ‘values’ and the creation of an enabling environment for trust in science. The study notes the need to recognize and address the differing values of publics and stakeholders involved in multilateral problems and policy-making. In this regard, the systematic application of the universal values of human rights – and the emphasis on freedom of scientific research, inclusion and non-discrimination, transparency and accountability - can provide solid guidance in situations of real or perceived clash.

This Thematic Pillar aims to put trust in science into context through the exploration of key themes such as capacity building, public understanding and accountability. Aligned with the 2024 World Science Forum's theme, "The science and policy interface at the time of global transformations," the Plenary Sessions, ministerial and thematic sessions on "Trust in Science" will navigate the complexities of trust in an evolving world, offering insights and actionable steps for diverse societal actors to strengthen trust in science. They will explore the wider range of factors and stakeholders that play a role in influencing the level of uptake of science, to enhance evidence-informed decision-making and behavior, enabling more effective actions when tackling global challenges.

[1] https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/00027162221084709

[2] https://wellcome.org/reports/wellcome-global-monitor-covid-19/2020

[3] https://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/2183175O/3m-state-of-science-index-sosi-2022-global-report.pdf

[4] Americans’ Trust in Scientists, Other Groups Declines | Pew Research Center

[5] Trust in science, social consensus and vaccine confidence | Nature Human Behaviour

[6] PsyArXiv Preprints | Can we rely on trust in science to beat the COVID-19 pandemic? (osf.io)

[7] https://futures.council.science/publications/trust-in-science

Draft Agenda

Summary of the session by session rapporteur Dr István Hatvani, Senior Researcher, HUN-REN Research Centre for Astronomy and Earth Sciences, Institute for Geological and Geochemical Research:

Trust in science is essential for tackling global challenges and fostering evidence-based decision-making. However, its impact varies across contexts, disciplines, and stakeholders, necessitating nuanced approaches that incorporate values, transparency, and accountability. These elements are key to building public understanding and strengthening the science-policy interface.

During the session, Lidia Brito, Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences at UNESCO, emphasized the critical role of open science in fostering trust. She highlighted the power of science literacy to empower individuals to make informed, evidence-based decisions, enabling them to become active participants in the scientific process.

In her role as moderator of the session, she opened the discussion by asking participants how open science contributes to science literacy and trust in science within their respective fields.

Ana María Cetto, Professor at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, noted that while global literacy rates are improving, science literacy remains comparatively weak. She urged scientists to give up their traditional isolation and engage with societal needs, emphasizing that open science can serve as a vital bridge in this effort. Cetto stressed that trust in science is shaped by variations across countries, disciplines, and topics, and that scientists must also strive to become socially literate.

Building on this, Tamara Elzein, Secretary General of the National Council for Scientific Research of Lebanon, explained that trust in science is shaped by the interplay between three spheres: knowledge production, society, and mediators such as journalists and scientists who make science accessible to the public. She called for reforms in evaluation mechanisms to encourage scientists to prioritize meaningful societal engagement.

The discussion further explored the role of open science in addressing global inequalities, as Quarraisha Abdool Karim, President of The World Academy of Sciences emphasized. She connected open science with sustainable development, highlighting the need to consider the social inequalities and unique contexts under which knowledge is generated. She argued that scientific efforts must go beyond mission-oriented goals and reflect on historical challenges to create a lasting legacy for future generations.

Adding to these perspectives, Peggy Oti-Boateng, Executive Director of the African Academy of Sciences, presented the Academy’s values of integrity, diversity, excellence, empathy, collaboration, and fairness as guiding principles for open science. She underscored the importance of recognizing indigenous science in addressing local and global challenges, illustrating how diverse perspectives enrich scientific efforts.

The session illuminated several key challenges and opportunities in fostering trust in science. Participants emphasized that capacity building must involve equitable partnerships between the Global North and South, built on mutual respect and trust. Open science, they argued, must extend beyond publications to ensure that its benefits are accessible to all. Concerns were raised about the lack of dynamic science education in schools, where students often receive static information without understanding the processes behind scientific discovery. This disconnect limits the development of critical thinking and scientific skills.

Reaching marginalized and remote communities emerged as another pressing issue. Participants stressed the need for co-designed and co-developed science, created in collaboration with local communities to demystify science and build trust. This engagement aligns with the growing importance of citizen science, which involves the public in scientific research to promote literacy and inclusivity. The discussion also touched on the vital role of science in helping communities recover from crises and distress.

The session concluded with powerful take-home messages.

• Tamara Elzein: “We have to not just trust science, but have faith in it to build peace and develop applications. Science for peace!”
• Quarraisha Abdool Karim: “Science is our source of hope. We have to be immersed in science wherever we live to listen to and share solutions for challenges we face and which are to come.”
• Peggy Oti-Boateng: “Now is a call for partnership, to work together for the better of humanity.”
• Ana María Cetto: “Science has to flourish in a multilingual, multicultural environment. Science cannot be communicated in one dominant language. Multilingualism and science for peace must be advocated for urgently.”
• Lidia Brito: “Science is our shared responsibility. We must make science accessible for all through open science and guarantee, through science literacy, to bring it to the people.”

The session underscored the transformative potential of open science in building trust, fostering collaboration, and empowering society. By making science more inclusive, accessible, and integrated into the fabric of society, it can become a cornerstone for global progress and sustainable development.